Adjustable headband pillow

ABSTRACT

A headband including an inside surface and an outside surface and at least one cushion, wherein the cushion is removably attachable to the outside surface of the headband, wherein the cushion is slidably adjustable along the headband, is disclosed herein.

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/642,667, filed May4, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

I. BACKGROUND

A. Field This invention generally relates to methods and apparatuses forpillows, and more particularly to pillows that can be worn as aheadband.

B. Description of the Related Art

Currently, finding comfortable ways to sleep in planes, cars, or othermodes of travel can be difficult and frustrating.

II. SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a headband includes an inside surface and an outsidesurface and at least one cushion, wherein the cushion is removablyattachable to the outside surface of the headband, wherein the cushionis slidably adjustable along the headband.

In another embodiment, the headband further includes at least oneholding device for holding the cushion, wherein the holding device isslidably adjustable along the headband.

In another embodiment, the headband includes at least one frame, whereinthe frame is attached to the holding device, and the cushion is in theframe.

In another embodiment, the at least one cushion is at least twocushions.

In another embodiment, the headband is made of an elastic material.

In another embodiment, the headband has two ends that can be connectedto each other, wherein the size of the headband is adjustable.

In another embodiment, the cushion is adjustable within the frame.

In another embodiment, the headband includes a height adjustmentmechanism, wherein the cushion can be selectively adjusted in or out ofthe frame.

In another embodiment, the frame is connected to the holding device byat least one peg.

In another embodiment, the cushion has a removable cover.

In another embodiment, the headband includes selectively removable eyeprotection, wherein the eye protection can be selectively attached tothe headband.

In another embodiment, a headband includes an inside surface and anoutside surface, a holding device, at least one bladder, wherein thebladder is contained within the holding device, wherein the holdingdevice is removably attachable to the outside surface of the headband,wherein the holding device is slidably adjustable along the headband,and at least one bladder hole.

In another embodiment, the headband includes a bladder pocket, whereinthe pocket has a selectively sealable opening.

In another embodiment, the bladder is filled with at least one of thegroup comprising a fluid, a gel, and pellets.

In another embodiment, the fluid can be a liquid or a gas.

In another embodiment, the at least one bladder is at least twobladders.

The current embodiment provides an effective means of providing neck andhead support in many different places. Other benefits and advantageswill become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertainsupon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement ofparts, at least one embodiment of which will be described in detail inthis specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings whichform a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of the band and cushions;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the band and another embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the band, cushions, and adjustable clips;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of another embodiment of the band;

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the band;

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the holding device;

FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the cushion;

FIG. 5D shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the cushion;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the cushion and holder;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the holder;

FIG. 8A shows a partial perspective view of the band;

FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the clip;

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of another embodiment;

FIG. 9B shows a back view of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the cushion;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of another cushion embodiment;

FIG. 13A shows a front view of an eye cover;

FIG. 13B shows a back view of the eye cover;

FIG. 13C shows a side view of the eye cover;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a holding device;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of another embodiment;

FIG. 17A shows a top view of the pocket;

FIG. 17B shows a side view of the pocket;

FIG. 17C shows a rear view of the pocket; and,

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the band.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In reference to the FIGURES, an inventive headband 10 is shown having aholding device 14 for the cushion frame 16, which holds the cushion 18.In other embodiments, the cushion 18′ is connected directly to theholding device 14, without a cushion frame 16. The headband 10 can alsohave adjusting clips 20. The cushion 18 can have a clip 24. In anotherembodiment, the cushion 18′″ has an emerging portion 26, connecting pegs28, tab 30, post 34, with teeth 32. The post 34 is connected to theemerging portion 26 of the cushion 18′″ so that the cushion 18′″ can beadjusted up and down as needed. The post 34 has teeth 32 on it, so thatthe post 34 can click into place, thereby holding the cushion 18′″ inthe desired location, and allowing for variability in the heightadjustment. It is to be understood that any mechanism for variablyadjusting the height can be used, as long as chosen using soundengineering judgment. Another embodiment has a cover 38, with zipper 36for covering the cushion 18. Another embodiment has a curved cushion 40.In another embodiment, an eye cover 42 can be attached to the headband10 with clips 44.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the headband 10 is designed toencircle a user's head (shown, but not referenced). In this embodiment,the band 10 is made of an elastic material, such that the band 10 canreadily fit on a large variety of head types and sizes. Either fixedlyor adjustably attached to the headband is at least two holding devices14, to which are attached a cushion frame 16, for fixedly, removablyholding the cushion 18. The cushion 18 can be used as a headrest againsta seat back 12. In one embodiment, the holding device 14 allows thecushions 18 to be moved around the band 10, in order to provide optimalpositioning.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2-8B, another embodiment is shown.The headband 10 can have the cushions 18′ attached directly to theholding devices 14. The cushions 18′ can be selectively rotated aroundthe headband 10 to allow for placement anywhere along the headband 10.In one embodiment, the cushions 18′ are made of a foam material. It isto be understood that the cushion 18, 18′, 18″ can be made of anymaterial suitable for use as a support for a user's head. The holdingdevice 14 has two ends, with openings 22 for receiving the band 10. Theopenings 22 allow the holding device 14 to be moved anywhere along thelength of the band 10. The cushion 18′ is connected to the holdingdevice 14, and the user adjusts the cushions 18′ in order to positionthem such that the user's head can rest comfortably between the cushions18′ against the seat 12. The cushions 18′ support the user's head, andkeep the head from flopping when asleep. In one embodiment, the band 10has clips 20, which are used to adjust the tightness of the band 10around the user's head. With reference now to FIG. 4, in one embodiment,the band 10 only has one cushion 18′ attached. The cushion 18′ can beused as the user leans his head to the side against the cushion. Inanother embodiment, the cushion 18′ can be used as a stand-alone unit,without the band 10.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2-8B, the cushion 18′ fits onto theholding device 14 with pegs 24. The holding device 14 has a receivinghole (shown but not referenced) which receives the peg 24. The peg 24,in this embodiment, is inserted into the cushion 18′ in order to hold itin place. With the cushion 18′ attached to the holding device 14, theentire apparatus can be moved along the length of the band 10, which isthreaded through the openings 22 in the holding device 14. As can beseen in FIG. 7, the band 10 goes underneath the center portion of theholding device 14. The holding device 14, can have more than onereceiving hole for attaching the cushion 18′ to the holding device 14.It is to be understood that the cushion 18, 18′, 18″ can be attached tothe holding device in any manner chosen using sound engineeringjudgment, including directly attaching the cushion 18 to the band 10 viahook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, buttons, etc. As can be seen in FIGS. 8Aand 8B, the band 10 can be made of an elastic material, or may be madeof a non-elastic material and have attachment clips 46, or any othermeans of attaching chosen using sound engineering judgment. The band 10can either be slipped on over the head, or attached around the head.

With reference now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, another embodiment of the cushion18 is shown. The cushion 18 could a container frame 16 and a cushionportion 26. The cushion portion 26 would reside in the frame 16, whichwould be attached to the band via pegs 28. The frame 16 could have onepeg 28, which would allow tilting or angling of the frame 16, or couldhave two or more pegs 28 for holding the frame 16 in place. The cushionportion 26 could be selectively, adjustably removed from the frame 16,such that the cushion portion 26 could adjust to fit the space betweenthe seat 12 and the user's head. A tab 30 allows for connection of thecushion portion 26 to the frame 16, and a rod 32, with teeth 34, allowsfor adjustability of the cushion portion 26. It is to be understood thatany mechanism for allowing adjustability could be used, as long aschosen using sound engineering judgment.

With reference now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the cushion 18 isshown. A decorative and/or protective cover 38 could be placed over thecushion, which would allow for protection of the cushion 18 from wearand tear, as well as dirt and germs. The cover 38 would allow fordecorative purposes, but also the ability to use the cushion 18 formultiple users in a sanitary manner. The cover 38 is removably attachedto the cushion 18, by any means chosen sound engineering judgment.Non-limiting examples would be a zipper or a hook and eye fastener 36.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the cushion18′, 40 is shown. In FIG. 11, cushion 18′ is shown, which can be used byitself, without the band 10. The cushion 18′ can be placed between theuser's head and the seat 12, to keep the user's head in place. FIG. 12shows a curved cushion 40, which is more in line with the shape of auser's head. In these embodiments, the cushion 18′, 40 is larger thanthe embodiments utilizing the band, as the stand-alone cushion 18′, 40would function more like a stand-alone pillow. In this embodiment, thecushion 18′ has a slight concave portion for the user's head.

With reference now to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, eye protector 42 isshown. On the back of the eye protector 42, at least one clip 44 isattached in order to be removably attachable to the band 10. The eyeprotector 42 could also be retractably attached to the band 10, suchthat it can be used and stored within the band 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 14-18, another embodiment is shown, showingthe band 10, holding device 14, bladder hole 48, cushion pockets 50,seam 52, holding bracket/pad 54, fasteners 56, bladder 58, and insidesurface 60, and an outside surface 62. FIG. 14 shows an elastic headband10 having two holding devices 14, having pockets 50 for holding thehead. FIG. 15 shows the holding device 14 attached to the band 10. Thedevice 14 allows for sliding movement around the band 10. FIG. 16 showsthe device 14 with the bladder 56 inside, wherein the bladder 56 isfilled with a fluid, gel, or some other malleable substance. In oneexample, the fluid could be air or water. In another example, themalleable substance could be plastic or rubber pellets. The bladder hole48 allows for the introduction of air, water, or other fluid into thebladder 56. The bladder hole 48 also allows for the release of the air,water, or other fluid for more convenient storage when not in use. Thepocket 50 has a seam which allows for introduction of a cushioningmaterial inside the pocket 50, so that the pocket 50 can serve as areplaceable covering. In this embodiment, the device 14 is higher on theoutside edge and lower on the inside edges, to allow for a morecomfortable fit around the user's head. FIG. 18 shows the band 10 withinside surface 60 and outside surface 62. The fasteners 56, which inthis embodiment are hook-and-eye fasteners, are located on the outsidesurface of the band 10, and allow for the selective removal of thedevice 14. In this embodiment, the device 14 would have a correspondinghook-and-eye fastener. It is to be understood that any mechanism forallowing the device 14 to be removably attachable can be used, as longas chosen using sound engineering judgment.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in thenumber of cushions, the number of adjustment clips, the number ofholding devices, or the materials of which any of the components aremade.

The embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses mayincorporate changes and modifications without departing from the generalscope of this invention. It is intended to include all suchmodifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope ofthe appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
 1. A headbandcomprising: an inside surface and an outside surface; and, at least onecushion, wherein the cushion is removably attachable to the outsidesurface of the headband, wherein the cushion is slidably adjustablealong the headband.
 2. The headband of claim 1, wherein the headbandfurther comprises: at least one holding device for holding the cushion,wherein the holding device is slidably adjustable along the headband. 3.The headband of claim 2, wherein the headband further comprises: atleast one frame, wherein the frame is attached to the holding device,and the cushion is in the frame.
 4. The headband of claim 3, wherein theat least one cushion is at least two cushions.
 5. The headband of claim1, wherein the headband is made of an elastic material.
 6. The headbandof claim 1, wherein the headband has two ends that can be connected toeach other, wherein the size of the headband is adjustable.
 7. Theheadband of claim 3, wherein the cushion is adjustable within the frame.8. The headband of claim 7, wherein the headband further comprises: aheight adjustment mechanism, wherein the cushion can be selectivelyadjusted in or out of the frame.
 9. The headband of claim 8, wherein theframe is connected to the holding device by at least one peg.
 10. Theheadband of claim 2, wherein the cushion has a removable cover.
 11. Theheadband of claim 2, wherein the headband further comprises: selectivelyremovable eye protection, wherein the eye protection can be selectivelyattached to the headband.
 12. A headband comprising: an inside surfaceand an outside surface; a holding device; at least one bladder, whereinthe bladder is contained within the holding device, wherein the holdingdevice is removably attachable to the outside surface of the headband,wherein the holding device is slidably adjustable along the headband;and, at least one bladder hole.
 13. The headband of claim 12, whereinthe headband further comprises a bladder pocket, wherein the pocket hasa selectively sealable opening.
 14. The headband of claim 12, whereinthe bladder is filled with at least one of the group comprising a fluid,a gel, and pellets.
 15. The headband of claim 14, wherein the fluid canbe a liquid or a gas.
 16. The headband of claim 12, wherein the at leastone bladder is at leas bladders.
 17. The headband of claim 12, whereinthe headband is made of an elastic material.
 18. The headband of claim12, wherein the headband has two ends that can be connected to eachother, wherein the size of the headband is adjustable.
 19. The headbandof claim 12, wherein the cushion is adjustable within the frame.
 20. Theheadband of claim 19, wherein the headband further comprises: a heightadjustment mechanism, wherein the cushion can be selectively adjusted inor out of the frame.